China calls Bo Xilai scandal a profound lesson

Paramilitary policemen guard Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, a road between Tiananmen Square and Great Hall of the People, where Chinese Communist Party's 18th National Congress will be held from Thursday in Beijing, China. The once-a-decade event installs a new leadership to run the world's second largest economy and newly assertive global power. (AP Photo/Alexander F. Yuan)

BEIJING (AP) — China’s communists called the scandal surrounding disgraced politician Bo Xilai a “profound lesson” for the ruling party, as delegates gathered in Beijing on Wednesday on the eve of a key leadership congress.

The party’s handling of Bo’s case underlines the leadership’s resolve to uphold integrity and prosecute corruption no matter how high ranking the culprits, congress spokesman Cai Mingzhao told a news conference.

The struggle against corruption remains long term, complex and extremely difficult, Cai said. The 18th national party congress that opens Thursday will thoroughly address the issue and its disciplinary arm will adopt new measures in education, prevention, supervision and punishment, he said.

Bo had been one of China’s highest-profile politicians and a candidate for higher office when he fell from grace amid a scandal over his wife’s involvement in the murder of a British businessman. Bo dropped from view and in September was expelled from the party and sent for prosecution on charges including corruption and interference in his wife’s case.

Cai also cited Liu Zhijun, a former railways minister who was expelled from the party and faces corruption charges.

National party congresses are held once every five years and this year’s meeting will usher in a once-in-a-decade transition to a new generation of top officials led by Vice President Xi Jinping.

In addition to selecting members of leading party bodies, the 2,270 delegates hear and deliberate over the work of the party over the last five years, a party discipline report and revisions to the party constitution.